Summary

Description

A brown algae with many branched, dorso-ventrally flattened, slightly elliptical thalli, arising from a small stipe and a fibrous holdfast. Fronds up to 25 cm long and 1-3 mm wide, and light to olive brown in colour. Blades quite firm and cartilaginous with a distinct midrib. Tips of fronds with tufts of 'hair'. Specialised structures bearing reproductive organs (receptacles) are formed from extending midrib tissue and are conical or cylindrical and colourless.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

Carpomitra costata is a southern species found in the southern UK and the Channel Islands and recorded as far north as the Isle of Man, Donegal, Coll Island and St Kilda.

Global distribution

No information found.

Habitat

Carpomitra costata is epilithic on bedrock and boulders and can be found from the sublittoral to depths of up to 37 m.

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